~
Christ Is Our Example for Dealing With Temptation ~
Introduction
~ “Then [note Key Learning #1 below] Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be
tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1). …
The
First Temptation (lust
of the flesh / self-centered) ~ … “And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights,
afterward He was hungry. Now when the
tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these
stones become bread.’ But He answered
and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word
that proceeds from the mouth of God” [Deuteronomy 8:3]’” (Matthew
4:2-4). …
The
Second Temptation (lust
of the eyes / covetousness) ~ … “Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on
the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw
Yourself down. For it is written: “He
shall give His angels charge over you,” and, “In their hands they shall bear
you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” [Psalm 91:11-12 misapplied]’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is written
again, “You shall not tempt the Lord
your God” [Deuteronomy 6:16]’” (Matthew 4:5-7). …
The
Third Temptation (lust
for power / pride of life) ~ … “Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high
mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will
give You if You will fall down and worship me.’
Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall
serve”’ [see Deuteronomy 6:13, 15]” (Matthew 4:8-10).
…
Result ~ … “Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and
ministered to Him (Matthew 4:11).
Key
Learnings ~ (1) The temptation came after a spiritual
high! It was just following Jesus’
baptism (Matthew 3:16-17). We should be
on guard for temptation immediately following spiritual highs. (2) Satan knows Scripture as evidenced how he
tried to use Psalm 91 in the second temptation.
(3) Following the temptation Jesus’ ministry flourished as he ministered
to those in Galilee! (Matthew 4:12 onward). God typically tests and purifies His servants
in order to use them to greater extent.
Application
~ In each of the three temptations which Jesus
faced in the wilderness He answered by quoting the Word of God. That is also our way of victory. When Satan whispers in your ear that you are
worthless quote the Word such as: “But God
demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). When the evil one tells you how good you are
quote the Word such as: “Pride goes before
destruction, and a haughty spirit before
a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will
retain honor” (Proverbs 29:23).
When Satan causes you to focus on external and/or artificial beauty
quote the Word such as: “I will praise You, for I am
fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul
knows very well (Psalm 139:14).
Closing Verse ~ “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper
than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and
of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the
heart. (Hebrews 4:12).
~
Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT
LIFE NOW
NOTES:
(1) The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very
bottom of this home page.
(2) There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by
scrolling down the left column.
(3) You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own
blog or website.
(4) You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by
prominently displaying the following statement: Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free
blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid
Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/
.
